Description
Sweet and creamy Ambrosia Salad brings tropical paradise memories to your dessert table, blending marshmallows, coconut, and fruity goodness. Southern hospitality shines through this classic dish that promises delightful comfort in every refreshing spoonful.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Fruits:
- 1 can (20 ounces / 567 grams) pineapple chunks (drained)
- 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) mandarin oranges (drained)
- 1 cup maraschino cherries (drained and halved)
- 1 cup seedless grapes (halved, optional)
Dairy and Sweet Components:
- 1 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
Nuts:
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Thoroughly drain pineapple chunks, mandarin oranges, and maraschino cherries to eliminate excess moisture, ensuring a crisp and vibrant salad texture.
- Select a spacious mixing vessel and whisk sour cream until smooth, then gently fold in shredded coconut, creating a creamy and delicate base.
- Carefully incorporate pineapple chunks, mandarin oranges, cherries, mini marshmallows, and grapes into the coconut-sour cream mixture, using a gentle folding technique to preserve the fruit’s delicate structure.
- Delicately distribute the ingredients, ensuring an even coating of the creamy mixture across all fruit components, preventing any clustering or uneven distribution.
- Seal the mixing bowl with plastic wrap, allowing the salad to rest and harmonize flavors in the refrigerator for a minimum of two hours, with overnight chilling yielding optimal taste development.
- Prior to serving, optionally enhance the salad’s texture by sprinkling chopped pecans or walnuts across the surface, adding a delightful crunch and nutty undertone.
- Present the chilled ambrosia salad directly from the refrigerator, maintaining its refreshing and luxurious consistency.
Notes
- Drain fruits meticulously using a fine-mesh strainer to eliminate excess liquid, preventing a soggy salad texture.
- Swap sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-packed version that maintains creamy consistency.
- Choose ripe, firm grapes to prevent mushing and ensure a delightful burst of freshness in each bite.
- Customize the salad by adding toasted coconut flakes for an extra layer of nutty, caramelized flavor that elevates the overall taste profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg